The University of Iowa has become the nation’s first public university to include optional questions about sexual orientation and gender identity on its application, a move hailed by advocates hoping to improve the college experience for LGBT youth.

Oregon State University has been given top marks as one of the best campuses in the country for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) students. OSU is among 33 American colleges and universities to receive the highest ranking.

Leave it to a six-time Tony Award winner Audra McDonald to add some major theatrics to the scene playing out over social media in response to Republican Indiana Gov. Mike Pence's signing of a "license to discriminate" bill Thursday.